The stars of the North East’s tech sector have been singled out at an annual awards event.
Almost 400 people were at Newcastle Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall for the Dynamites 21 Awards, the eighth time the awards organised by Dynamo, the industry-led network focused on the region’s tech sector, have taken place.
The night was opened by Cate Kalson, director of Dynamo and this year’s chair of judges, who said: “It’s fantastic to be with you all in person for a celebration of the talent, values, innovation, hard work and successes of technology people and organisations across the North East.
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"The past 12 months has been challenging: the novelty and excitement of our first grapples with managing the pandemic in 2020 has shifted to a longer-term set of challenges and a new normal to adjust to.
“We all deserve this opportunity to take a step back from the day to day, recognise the achievements of our Dynamo colleagues and have fun too!”
Winners included tech companies large and small, as well as organisations with IT departments.
One of the first winners of the night was Elena Lanzarini, a data scientist working for Wordnerds, who won the Rising Star Award in memory of a previous winner of the same award, Nate Sterling.
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She said: “I was so proud to have been nominated for the award and didn’t expect to win. I graduated with my Master’s degree from Newcastle University this morning and then tonight I’ve won this award – it’s one of the best days of my life.”
Innovator of the Year was Opportuni whose platform has been dubbed ‘Tinder for tenders’ and who have enjoyed growth of nearly 600% growth over the last six months.
Tim Ward, the firm’s CEO and co-founder, said: “Six months ago we were a team of six; now we’re a team of 35. We’re based in Stockton, but have a truly global presence. I’d like to thank the team for their incredible hard work, but also our families who’ve given us so much support.”
Notify Technologies won the Tech for Good Award, for helping to improve worker safety through their safety management software.
Gareth Cram, chief revenue officer for the company, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team and what we’ve achieved. So many people have lived and breathed this software for the past four years – they’ve given blood, sweat and tears and I’m delighted that this award gives them the recognition they deserve.”
Speakers on the night included Robin Pembrooke, director of BBC Digital, who outlined the increased investment in digital and talent in the region; and North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll, who talked about the importance of skills, leadership and tech for good.
He praised the Digital Talent Engine that Dynamo is developing with the NCTA, saying it will provide an important pipeline of talent for the region’s tech sector.
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He added: “The Government talks of levelling up, but I don’t believe in levelling up, I want to see more than just levelling up. I want to show the world what a powerhouse the North East is.”
Full list of award winners
Best Use of Data: Connect Health
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Cognassist
Growth Explosion: So Post (Opencast highly commended)
Innovator of the Year: Opportuni (Durham University highly commended)
Project of the Year (Corporate): Iamproperty – movebutler
Project of the Year (Public Sector/Not for Profit): DWP Digital – Passport Benefit Checker
Rising Star in Memory of Nate Sterling: Elena Lanzarini – Wordnerds
Skills Developer: Baltic Apprenticeships (Nicole Robson from Saggezza highly commended)
Tech for Good: Notify Technology (Nebula Labs highly commended)
Tech Champion: Dylan McKee – Nebula Labs
People’s Choice Award: Peter Bakare, Nutri Troops
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